Lot 379 , An early 18th century japanned cabinet, by repute formerly the property of Clive of India, W.3ft 10in. D.2ft H.5ft

An early 18th century japanned cabinet, by repute formerly the property of Clive of India, decorated in the chinoiserie style with figures, birds and flowers, the two doors enclosing an arrangement of ten drawers, on a later giltwood stand, W.3ft 10in. D.2ft H.5ft
Estimate £6,000-8,000

The top of the cabinet has been rubbed and worn over the years to such an extent that the decoration that was once there is all but gone away, both doors have signs of old splitting with the right hand door having crack running down vertically through the middle, raised japanned decoration is rubbed, right side has two cracks, one running near the hinges almost the entire length, the other running down from the top to approximately half way down, other less notable hairline cracks also present, left side similarly has two notable cracks and other smaller examples, both sides have rubbing to the japanning, internally the japanning is in better condition although splits still show to the inside of both doors, the drawers are in good condition with some slight rubbing most notably to the smallest of them all, drawer linings show splits and separations particularly to the bottom boards, the bottom left drawer is a later replacement, this cabinet for sale with a handwritten letter that attributes its ownership at one time to being Clive of India. This was purely by family repute, however there are indications that in Clive of India's own memoirs he records a time when as a lowly clerk he attempted suicide with the pistol failing to shoot, he is said to have place the pistol into a drawer of a cabinet and then at some later point the family sold the cabinet but retained the drawer that housed the pistol hence the replacement drawer in this cabinet. We have made some enquiries as to establishing the veracity of the story but as yet have nothing in further confirmation. The giltwood stand is a later well made period style piece in good condition.


Descriptions provided in both printed and on-line catalogue formats do not include condition reports. The absence of a condition statement does not imply that the lot is in perfect condition or completely free from wear and tear, imperfections or the effects of aging. Interested bidders are strongly encouraged to request a condition report on any lots upon which they intend to bid, prior to placing a bid. All transactions are governed by Gorringes Conditions of Sale.

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